F1 Belgian GP start delayed by over 90 minutes

The recent Belgian Grand Prix start delay showcased ongoing challenges of wet weather racing.

F1 Belgian GP start delays reveal challenges of wet racing

Heavy rain caused a lengthy delay before the start of the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. Many team members were reminded of the disastrous race in 2021, where poor weather led to a mere two laps. This time, despite hopes for a thrilling wet race, the conditions resulted in a carefully cautious approach from race control. Drivers largely felt visibility issues justified the red flag delay. Ultimately, Max Verstappen was the only driver advocating for an immediate start after safety car laps. Disagreements among teams led to confusion about whether the race clock had begun, and after a considerable wait due to worsening conditions, the green flag finally waved after more than 90 minutes.

The lengthy delay at the Belgian GP underscores the complex nature of making safety decisions in motorsport. While many saw the cautious response as overly conservative, the race director faced intense pressure from the drivers' feedback on visibility. As Formula 1 progresses, balancing driver safety with audience expectations for thrilling races becomes increasingly significant. The consensus in the paddock reveals a division: some advocate for aggressive tactics in difficult conditions, while others believe safety must be paramount.

Highlights

The Belgian GP illustrates the ongoing challenge of balancing safety and excitement in Formula 1.